I was hoping to use this planetarium as a tool of learning for my grandson. I was disappointed by the emphasis on astrology and not astronomy. The cd is a very interesting addition, but seems unrelated to the rest of the equipment, andis NOT compatible with Apple computers operating system.

The planetarium was IMPOSSIBLE to assemble. I read and reread the directions and I could not get the sphere to attach to the base. Maybe some pieces were missing. I called the manufacturer AND National Geographic and no one could tell me how to assemble the planetarium.

I was very disappointed because my granddaughter is very interested in the boundless universe.

Was this a gift?:

Yes

Bottom LineNo, I would not recommend this to a friend

From National Geographic:Thank you for your feedback. We sincerely regret the difficulty you have experienced. Everything from the National Geographic Store is unconditionally guaranteed, and we want you to be happy with your purchase. If you would like to return this item for a refund or exchange, please contact us at NGCatalog@ngs.org.

About Me Grandparent Ng Reader, Have Every Issue Since 18, Ng Reader For 60 Years

Pros

Cons

Battery Consumption

Battery Lasted 2 Hours

Cheaply Made

Flimsy

Poor Design

Best Uses

Comments about National Geographic Talking Planetarium:

I had wanted one for several years. Received as Christmas gift. Motor didn't work. I imagined being able to see the stars on the ceiling all night long. New batteries last about 2 hours, Needs to have A/C power adapter. Returned for credit.

About Me Education Oriented, Grandparent, Parent Of Two Or More Children

Pros

East To Assemble

Easy Assembly

Fun Concept

Cons

Dvd Not Child Friendly

No Easy Focus

Voice Annoying

Voice Just Repeats

Best Uses

Creative Development

Family Time

Group Activity

Indoor

Comments about National Geographic Talking Planetarium:

Grandchildren could get into sleeping bags and watch the night sky move across the ceiling as a voice carried them through the story of the constellations.However the voice just repeated the same message and was just annoying.

About Me Education Oriented, Parent Of Two Or More Children, Stay At Home Parent

Pros

Durable

Cons

Best Uses

Comments about National Geographic Talking Planetarium:

I bought this for my son last year for Christmas, he was about to turn 10. He loves science & planetariums and we thought this would be neat to be able to use at home. Well, maybe it would be if we happened to have a completely empty, or extremely large room, preferably with a domed ceiling. In his room, which is a decent size, half of the display was on his walls, which have pictures, windows & doors on them. I was hoping it'd be more just on the ceiling so you could really see it all. Also, the recorded narration was rather limited & once you listened to it you didn't really need to again. It needs to somehow be altered to be usable in a normal room, and to have more information available to listen to would be nice. Also, though we haven't looked at it in over a year (we used it maybe twice & it's just sat ever since) I seem to recall the actual stars & such displayed were a bit crowded with the zodiac info. Certainly a disappointment. As already said by others, I'd expect more from NG.

Quite simply this product does not work. We bought it for our 8 yr old daughter who was desperate for one. The stars are really blurry unless an adult holds it close to the ceiling ie. 20 cm away! The writing describing the constellations masks the stars so you get no feel for their shapes. Extremely disapointing. I would have expected more from Nat Geo.

Was this a gift?:

Yes

Bottom LineNo, I would not recommend this to a friend

From National Geographic:Thanks for sharing your feedback. We're sorry that the National Geographic Talking Planetarium didn't meet your expectations. Everything from the National Geographic Store is unconditionally guaranteed and we want you to be happy with your purchase. If you would like to return it for a refund or exchange, please contact us at NGCatalog@NGS.org or 1-888-225-5647.